Authorities: Destructive 4-alarm grass fire in Ore. was arson

PORTLAND, Ore. — A wind-driven grass fire that roared to life during rush hour in a residential neighborhood of Portland, Oregon, and prompted evacuations was intentionally set, fire authorities said Tuesday.

The Monday blaze damaged five buildings, destroyed 50 cars in a parking lot and sent people running from their homes as residents across the city gawked at the huge plume of black smoke.

A blaze that started as a grass fire spread to several buildings in northeast Portland. (Photo/Beth Nakamura, The Oregonian via AP)